As an oil painter, I continue to pursue knowledge of art and its techniques through color, form, light and composition striving to always be true to my personal form of expression. It is that process of painting that is important to me--to take a subject and with the process of painting reveal my spirit without fear. When the result is successful and the on-looker identifies with it, the effect is magnificent.

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Before beginning a painting, I develop the composition and color palette through a number of sketches, and sometimes a color study. Trial and error has taught me to work out any problems before I put oil to canvas. I prefer to lay the composition onto the canvas freely. Although my art is representational, I am less concerned about the details in a scene and more concerned about the sense it communicates. My subject matter encompasses places where I have lived or visited in the United States or around the world and those subjects which touch my heart. 

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During my initial working session, I loosely sketch the composition with a thin coat of paint diluted with terpenoid. As with an underpainting, I establish my lights and darks at this point. I use a limited palette mixing two or more colors together to produce new colors. Once I have blocked out the composition, I begin to build up layers of paint, correct the forms, values and hues as I work on all areas of the painting at the same time. As the paint becomes thicker, I welcome the appearance of brush strokes which gives texture to the painting. Allowing the painting to sit for a number of days gives me the opportunity to study what needs to be changed or corrected. I keep a notebook with ideas and corrections to be made. I very seldom use any oil mediums and apply glazes only when absolutely necessary. Once completed, the painting is signed on the front. I also label the back of the canvas with my name, title, inventory number and date completed. I allow the painting to dry for at least six months before I apply a thin layer of archival varnish for oil paintings. I almost always paint to music.